Small Business Owners Optimistic About Their Own Businesses, Less So About Their Local Economies

Upbeat look for year-end and holiday season.

In a recent “Business Leaders Outlook (PDF)” survey by Chase Bank, small business owners expressed optimism for their own business but were less confident about their local economies.

General optimism of small business owners

63% | Small business owners optimistic about their own business55% | Small business owners optimistic businesses in their industry49% | Optimistic about their local economy55% | Optimistic about the national economy

More optimism by small businesses for holiday & year end

59% | Expect more holiday online shopping purchases this holiday season over last year.46% | Expect an increase in customer spending40% | Expect the shopping season to start earlier33% | Plan to keep longer hours

Financing and borrowing plans

59% | plan to borrow this year, up from 52% in 201537% (of those borrowing) | planning on turning to banks/credit unions/traditional lenders or using business credit cards.42% | plan to increase full-time employees and63% | plan to increase part-time employees